Maxim releases a sleeveless blood pressure measurement solution that meets Class II medical accuracy standards

     Maxim Integrated Products announced the introduction of a solid-state blood pressure monitoring solution to make it easier for users to track this important health indicator. Until now, high-precision blood pressure monitoring was only possible with cumbersome mechanical cuff measuring equipment. With Maxim's MAXREFDES220 reference design, design engineers can easily develop solutions for monitoring blood pressure trends.

     The MAXREFDES220# monitors trends in blood pressure through optical principles with a fully integrated light sensor module, microcontroller-based sensor concentrator and algorithm that can be integrated directly into a smartphone or wearable device. With this reference design, users can measure blood pressure anytime, anywhere by placing their finger in the device for 30-45 seconds while at rest. Reference designs include the MAX30101 or MAX30102 high-sensitivity light sensor, and the MAX32664D sensor concentrator IC with built-in algorithms.

     The MAX30101 (using three leds) and MAX30102 (using two leds) integrate a photodetector, LED, and analog front end (AFE) light sensor module with a glass cover for pulse oximetry and heart rate measurement. This complete optical design and top lens process provides optimal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) metrics for small, low-power, energy-efficient module designs. The device is in a 5.6mm x 3.3mm, 14-pin micro-optical package connected to the sensor concentrator IC via an I2C interface.

     The MAX32664D Sensor Concentrator IC includes sensor control and algorithm running firmware for sleeveless measurements of blood pressure, heart rate and blood oxygen concentration. The device is designed for easy integration into small devices with its ultra-small size (1.6mm x 1.6mm), easily and seamlessly connecting to the device's host microcontroller.